Ok, I can't keep quiet anymore. I just can't do it.
I keep seeing the "anti-rape techniques" list being passed around on facebook and the like. And I have to speak up. Yes, some of it is good. But I HAVE to point out some important corrections.
First. Pepper spray will not keep you safe. Do NOT think that owning pepper spray will prevent you from being attacked. Pepper spray is NOT NEARLY AS DEBILITATING OR EFFECTIVE AS ADVERTISED. Unless it is sprayed directly in the eyes, it will have virtually no effect. It can be rendered harmless by blinking at the right moment. It is best used as a distraction, run while his eyes are closed. Yelling you have pepper spray is more of a deterrent than the actual spray, because it is attracting attention.
Second. Forget pressure points or fancy techniques. You WILL be scared, you WILL panic, and you WILL forget how to do them or how to do them properly. Unless you have significant training under a competent instructor, don't try anything special. NEVER TRY ANYTHING YOU SAW IN A MOVIE! Instead, go for the eyes. Scratch, claw, bite, whatever you can. The eyes are extremely sensitive. But more importantly, even if you don't land a hit, he Will have to protect them, and that gives you a chance to get away.
Third. Yes, the testicles are a sensitive area. However, EVERY MAN ALIVE KNOWS THIS. Striking for the testicles is the single most advised technique. Attackers Will be expecting this. If you are given the opportunity to do so, go ahead. It is painful, and can give you an opportunity to escape. But don't think this is the only move you'll need to survive. Most of the time it will not work.
Fourth. Shoes. High heels look great, but you can not run in them. However, if you wish to wear them, choose ones that are well made of strong materials. A heel can and will penetrate even thick muscle with enough force. It is literally possible to stab someone to death with a high heeled shoe. Again, if you have not practiced kicks, DO NOT TRY THEM. You will only make things worse for yourself. Instead, stomp down as hard as you can. If possible, aim for just above the shoe on the shin or ankle. The weakest bone of the body is at the top of the foot, just past where the ankle meets the shin. A good stomp can crush it, and potentially cripple an attacker.
Fifth. Your priority when attacked is survival and escape. In That order. You are not there to defeat or capture an attacker. And it doesn't matter how you do it, so long as you do so. Scream, claw, throw dirt in his face. There is no such thing as cheating or undignified when it comes to survival. Once you have escaped, then you can get to the police and give them all you know. It is their job to catch these people. Let them do it.
I feel i need to add point/counterpoint to your post. You are correct in nearly everything you said. However as law enforcement I need to point some things out.
ReplyDelete1) True pepper spray is NOT as debilitating as advertised. The primary substance in it is capsium. A liquid derived and concentrated from hot peppers. If the target eats a lot of spicy foods he will be IMMUNE to the effects. That said it causes the eyes to tear up. (Spraying within a foot of the face will cause this reaction). But if the assailant cant see you clearly he can still attack you. If you have to spray then MOVE. Preferably away from him quickly. A far more effective legal spray then pepper spray is wasp spray. It shoots much farther and instead of blurring the vision it causes immediate blindness. Until he goes to the hospital and gets his eyes treated, not jest washed out.
2) Your right. Unless you train EVERY DAY in joint locks and pressure points you will not be able to use them is you are panicking. When we re certify with our defensive tactics every time they tell us the best defense is leaving and getting assistance.
3) Hitting someone in the groin works for either gender, but is more effective on males. (Obviously). However there is a delay between the attack and the disabling effects. And if someone is enraged or on mind altering drugs they wont feel it at all.
4) Completely correct on the shoes.
5) Very very correct.
The knee is also a good target. Kick them in the kneecap as hard as you can. It's unprotected, it can be attacked even if you are held, and if you hit hard enough, they will be imobilized, possibly even crippled.
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